AS9003: An Aerospace Standard For the Little Guy

Abstract:AS9003, Inspection and Test Quality System, represents the return to a traditional aerospace industry approach to quality management that existed before the adoption of the ISO 9000 quality standards. While most large manufacturers and suppliers have been able to make the transition to ISO 9000, smaller organizations and nonaerospace organizations with limited aerospace industry association have continued to struggle and have been reluctant to make the switch. Developed by the America's Aerospace Quality Group, AS9003 is less than AS9100, but is still a system that ensures product and process integrity. Its basic intent is to define a quality inspection system, not a quality management system. While it is difficult to say whether this approach will be suitable for other industries, a well-planned inspection and test system may fill the gap between nothing and a complete QMS. Note: This article does not include the …